New Year's Truck Trounce: The Chevy Colorado 4WD LT's Midsize Mastery

New Year's is a time when reflecting on the past year's successes, the coming year's dreams, and spending it with favorite friends sit high on the priority list. Right here in St Louis, there are several rockin' events to make sure you ring in the New Year's properly, and blow off some well-deserved steam in the process. The Hyatt Regency St Louis at the Arch is featuring their yearly New Year's Eve party: Groovethang and Dr Zhivegas will take the stage, and a full dinner buffet, party favors, as well as confetti drop at midnight will liven up the event. Ballpark Village is another great location to party, where you can mingle among multiple bars and restaurants, and enjoy live music as well as platinum access tickets that include a foot buffet.

As 2018 is just around the corner and many new truck models are making their way to us from the North Pole and beyond, our customers have been sharing with us their choice qualities about the trucks they love the most. LA Times writer Charles Fleming was selected to put the Colorado Redline 4WD LT to the test with some long-range drives, and was happy with the result. During reflections on the ways that most 2017 trucks felt in terms of height, he wrote, “Climbing into the driver's seat requires a stepladder or running leap”. The Ford F-150 is one of the most revved-up rivals of the Colorado, and it sits at around exactly two inches taller; the lower height of the Colorado makes for a snap in a hasty climbing on board.

Whether you are surveying new land, hauling goods all day, or taking part in some much needed off-road exploration, this truck billed by Car And Driver as a “Swiss Army Truck”is Grade-A practical, even when in a pinch. On the 2018 model, heated exterior mirrors and Active Tow are available. Active Tow does a standout job of lending a very high-tech hand while aligning the pickup in reverse, and is one of the coolest features we've seen in awhile. With Cargo tie-down rings, electric power steering, and a fully boxed frame for a smooth ride, you know that for any daily drive, that the Colorado has your back.

We'd love to have you as our guest on the lot at Jim Butler over the holidays, when you can also check out the commemorative editions of the Colorado! Since 100 years is a big deal in any book, you'll score tough and ready 18-inch wheels, crew cab, 3.6-liter V-6, all-wheel drive, and standard box. Highly configurable and available with a trim for every occasion, ask us about the truck that is so high on the practicality factor: the coming year's Colorado could do just as well squeezing into a huge retail parking lot as it can conquering the wide-open wild. We'll be here whenever you need us, and our sales + service staff wish you and yours the best of holidays. Get excited about the roar of new engines, wide array of features, and great financing options we can provide for the coming year! 

Need A Cup Of Coffee? Your Chevy Has An App For That

St. Louisans spend an average of 47 minutes on the road to and from their jobs daily. While that’s a few minutes below the national average, almost an hour of your day on the road adds up after a while.

GM has committed to making your commute as simple as possible not only through comfortable, fuel-efficient vehicles, but through technological features as well as developing Marketplace.

Marketplace is a unique feature on your vehicle’s dash which allows you to order a variety of both food and other goods with the press of a button. You can order a fresh cup of coffee, pick up a bite from the drive-thru or schedule a nicer reservation for a big event, and even find the nearest gas station should you find yourself running low.

The purpose of market place is simple, to build a stronger bond between consumers and their trusted brands while taking the stress off their daily drives. GM is also committed to building more trust to its own consumers by having special in-app offers and discounts. These can range from cheaper oil changes, accessory discounts, and, so much more!

Yes, Marketplace is designed to be used while driving, but it was also designed to be used safely. By analyzing your real-time data, Marketplace knows your usual stops and interactions with third-party merchants so you only receive offers suitable to your interests. While GM can’t speed up traffic, they can shave off some of your daily drive so you spend more time doing what you love.

Then And Now: The Story Of The Corvette.

Few mass-production vehicles are capable of turning heads on the highway like the Chevrolet Corvette. From its birth sixty years ago, the Corvette came off of the assembly line stone cold stunner.

While they certainly don’t resemble Corvettes of today, the first generation laid the groundwork for many high-performance vehicles to come. 

Back in 1957, cars were starting to feature bigger, fuel-injected engines and more standout exterior features like oversized fins. The Chevrolet Corvette was no exception. The first generation Corvette came in two packages, the 579E Airbox Package, and the 684 Heavy-Duty Suspension Package. 

The Airbox Package featured a special sealed air-intake system which drew cooler air from the front of the engine compartment, which helped the vehicle run stronger during long races. There were only 43 Airbox Package models produced, so if you witness one in person, consider yourself very fortunate. 

It just goes to show that Chevrolet’s strive for innovation continues to push more boundaries and further raise the bar. We cannot wait to see what the Corvette will offer us another sixty years down the road!    

Here We Come A' Caroling: 2019 Chevy Corvette ZR1 Key Details

There wasn't much more that we needed to get extremely excited for the holidays other than the news announced at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show recently. This was the time and place that Chevy announced the brand new ZR1 variant, which is going to have the almighty claim of the fastest production Corvette ever made. It's scheduled to go on sale during spring of 2018, and we just wanted to key you in on some of the details. Since the very first generation in 1953, the 'Vette has been an iconic symbol of excellent craftsmanship, agility, and flair. Here among the staff at Jim Butler in St Louis, one of our favorite moments took place in 2012: During the Indianapolis 500, Guy Fieri showcased the very first Corvette C6 ZR1 pace car.

Under the hood is a wildly powerful engine: The GM LT5 is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 making 755 horsepower, as well as dishing up 715 lb-ft of torque. The true thrill addicts out there will love that there is a 7-speed manual transmission available, as well as it is the first time that an 8-speed paddle-shift automatic is offered. Getting from 0 to 60 in less than 3 seconds, it will be not by any means coming from “the slower side” of the camp.

The ZTK Performance Package is where things really get exciting, especially for anyone who wants the frequent trek to the track. Here is where you get to nab great additives like Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Tires, carbon fiber and caps, an enhanced front air splitter, and a much higher rear wing. Closely-taut adjustments to the chassis and Magnetic Ride Control that is optimized for cornering are other features this breakneck-speed lover's upgrade will leave you equipped with.

Even in the base from, it will be simple to discern the ZR1 from any other Corvette in the C7 genre. Massive vents and spoilers are part of the raw and modern characteristics had here, and the nicely untamed appearance they provide is actually a useful element that creates downforce. This provides the opportunity for better grip, even at the highest-octane of speeds. There is an option for an available high wing that creates 950 lbs of downforce, allowing for the maximum amount of grip for the turns of any demanding track.

Even though we are getting to the time of year where colder temperatures have temporary control of the calendar, lowering the top is one of the features you can look forward to: for the first time since the original ZR1 in 1970, the convertible option is there for the instances where the kiss of the sun is necessary. The brand legend is truly “living on” as far as the Corvette is concerned: we could not be more excited about 2019's version of this valiant track and road contender!

2018 Camaro Spotlight: Redline Looks Boost SS V8's Primo Performance

Since that glorious day back in 1966 when the very first Camaro went on sale, fans of muscle and pony cars were delighted. The truest and most raw competitor to the Ford Mustang was avidly born, and scores of drivers here in St Louis worked overtime to make sure one of these beauties was parked in their garage. Track-conquering successes and fierce good looks were massive appeal factors for the Camaro, and all year during 2017, people were asking us what we thought of next year's model. The very experienced drivers that work so hard putting out the Road Show magazine and blog weighed in on their thoughts about the new Camaro this month, and had plenty of praise for it.

Seasoned writer Jon Wong drove one extensively for his review, and was impressed immediately with the 6.2-liter V8 that produces 455 horsepower, and 455 lb. -ft. of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. He deemed the rev-matching function as “excellent”, and enjoyed the rev-matching function by means of steering-wheel paddle. We are also more than excited about the beefy 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 run-flat tires. The wide rubber grip helps with stockpiling needed power for the initial off-the-line surge, part of the thrill-generating stature that Camaros have been so well-known for.

Wong reflected that the new Camaro SS is great for “bombing around back roads”, and that the Brembo brakes with 4-piston front and rear calipers are highly responsive, as well as more than able to slow the weighty SS down. Many people who are looking into a devilishly fast sports car such as this are worried about how it does on the daily drive: we know it is fast and furious, but how is it on the slower, more grinding daily commute? Toggling to touring setting offers a more comfortable and paced ride, with a noticeable lightening up in the steering, and trusty compliance in regards to suspension. Even the larger bumps you may run into on your journey won't seem as punishing to occupants, and the smoothing-out factor will be noticeable while slinking through droves of commuters.

You can ask the knowledgeable staff here at Jim Butler about the Redline package: you get to nab super-cool blacked out features in the name of decklid decal, dark finish tail lamps, bowtie emblems, mirrors, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. Front fender decals see some red accents, and you'll immediately notice a bit more attitude off the bat. Once you look inside the new Camaro, the nicer materials strike you right away, and the option for heated steering wheel is a comfort to those driving when temperatures drop during Missouri winters.

The Chevy MyLinks system doles out the Infotainment options, touting an 8-inch touchscreen, as well as the reins to a 9-speaker Bose audio system. The available navigational system will get you to your destination promptly and accurately, and there are plentiful USB ports to keep any of your desired gadgets fully juiced. The 2018 Camaro is one of those cars that will always have a namesake on the track: upgrading as well as upholding a champion brand is demanding, and we are positive that the newest version will measure up to the highest breed of motor fanatic's liking!

Survey Results Are In: What Stresses Drivers Out The Most During Long Holiday Trips?

Right here in St Louis and in many other parts of the nation, there will be many drivers hitting the road this holiday season. With Thanksgiving gone and Christmas coming up, time off work and school is taken, and the long trips that have been marked on the calendar all year finally take place. A new survey conducted on behalf of Chevrolet by Harris Poll clearly shows that keeping kids entertained ranked a bit lower than traffic, packing, and cost of the trip, but was still a very present element in the overall stress that a long trip can provide. The Harris Poll surveyed 1,063 U.S. Parents of children under 18, to provide a clear snapshot of the American Family holiday road trip.

The main findings of the survey revealed that 2 out of 3 parents say traffic is the most stressful part of a road trip: the gridlock and volume of vehicles on the road is definitely a factor. Parents typically bring an average of 6.6 mobile devices in the vehicle on family road trips, and models such as the Chevy Traverse proudly offer up the 4G Wi-Fi service to quench the constant thirst for entertainment, games, and various other web content. 56 percent of American parents claimed that Wi-Fi/ internet connectivity would make their long trips more enjoyable, making it the top tech feature within vehicles on wish lists nationwide.

Now more than ever, the car can truly be considered the family dinner table, where many new memories are created. As families from St. Louis and our valued customers here at Jim Butler hit the road during this 2017 holiday season, they can depend on award-winning crossovers such as the 2018 Chevy Traverse and Equinox to meet their needs. Whether it is extra storage space, USB outlets, or compatibility with features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, these first-rate Chevy vehicles can make the trip more bearable.

Chevy was the first automaker to provide 4G LTE Wi-Fi on its fleet, and most of the lineup since 2015 has featured Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Keeping safe is also a big concern when it comes to long hauls on the road during the holidays, and it is another area where Chevy really has you covered. Lane change alert, size blind zone alert, surround vision, and lane keep assist are very useful to have on the holidays, when highway driving is a large fraction of the “getting there” duty. Forward collision alert and low speed forward automatic braking are excellent features for those who may be in a tight spot during holiday travels, as well as the ever-important rear seat reminder feature.

Keeping your passengers entertained with streaming goodies and games will be the main thing that some drivers want on their holiday wish list, and Chevy's all-new vehicle line will meet those wishes promptly. We hope everyone has a fantastic holiday, and Black Friday is also a great time to look at getting rid of your clunker and into something brand new!

The Future For Our Service Department

First and foremost, thank you for being our loyal customer.  For the last 10 years we have been telling the world that we have become the number one Chevrolet dealer in the area and in the top 25 in the nation.  That trend will continue as we drive our business toward more consistency in new car sales and pre-owned sales.  You have been part of that growth and we are grateful that you have been along for the wild ride.

Those of you that know, growth is a tricky process especially the amazing and huge growth we have experienced here in Fenton.  We have added over 5 acres of storage/parking and expanded our service facility by adding more bays and even building an off site facility to handle all incoming inventory new and used.  Our team has grown from 52 staff members to 158!

One of the hardest transitions we have had is in our Service and Parts business.  Great news is that the quality of the product has really been fantastic and the recall era seems to have slowed down for all manufacturers.  However, even though oil changes and tire rotations are happening on average once a year, due to our volume of customers that means about 73% of our service drive business is "quick " services compared to a year ago at 35%.  We know that we have had a difficult time in honoring time commitments and getting our customers through the "system" efficiently because of the over whelming volume.

We get it, "not your problem, its ours".  To help our customers we moving to more advanced systems and processes, hiring more quick services team members and transitioning current team members to staff that can communicate clearly and set expectations for you, our customers, to help you through this process quickly and efficiently.

Bill Van Iwaarden has taken over as our new Service Director, billv@jimbutlerchevrolet.com, and has brought a multitude of experience and new ideas to help resolve any service related issue quickly and efficiently.  We are excited to have Bill as a member of our great team.

Look for our new systems and processes.  We will be using tools and technology to make certain that your vehicle is serviced properly in accordance to the manufacturer guide, operates safely today and in the future, make sure you filters are clear (allergy town), alignments are correct (pot holes and tire wear) and your safety features are all operational (airbags, brakes, sensors, etc). It is what we do and how we will do it that will make you happy.

Thank you for your patience and we appreciate you and your families business.  We are looking forward to a great 2018 and hope to see you soon.

Sincerely,

Brad Sowers

2019 ZR1 Corvette Pictured on “Car And Driver” Cover: Dreamlike in Dubai

Many times when we are checking out spy photos, we are leaked shots from rural areas and tracks, with camouflage, all sorts of thick tape, and other elements covering up the car. Every once in awhile, a release comes around that is deemed important enough to be given a fully-revealing spotlight early. The all-new for 2019 Chevy Corvette ZR1 was featured on the cover of Car and Driver this past week, and at first glance, it is much more aggressive than the current Z06. It has a very massive hood vent, new bumper, giant rear wing, and side skirts. The last ZR1 produced was 4 years ago, and it cranked out 638 horsepower.

The orange-clad model shown on Car and Driver debuted in Dubai recently, which has definitely become a front-running city for the lavishly tasted, and deeply invested. Back home here in St Louis, drivers will love the added power, optional rear wing, and owning a car with a top speed of more than 210 mph. The new ZR1 is slated to go on sale this spring, with 2-3,000 of them being completed in the first production blast. Diehard fans will be happy to see that the new coupe continues with the GM 6.2-liter pushrod small-block V-8, now billed as the LT5.

The last ZR1 was produced 4 years ago, and it cranked out 638 horsepower. This is over 100 hp shy of what the new model claims: this 2019 is looking at a claimed hp of 750! While we don't know exact details, many hours have been spent engineering and perfecting the cooling functions of the new ZR1, with additional intake space taking up valuable real estate in the front. A few who have test driven this car have said that it is so much more powerful that it makes the Z06 feel sluggish, and all of us here at Jim Butler are excited about the promise of a performance car such as this with updated looks, unprecedented performance, and a change in weight distribution that made the front wheels a half-inch wider, for more stiffness during corners.

Another big difference in the new ZR1 is GM's first dual-injection system. It has primary direct injection, and supplemental port injection, both pairing up to deliver high performance and ability for breathtaking speed. You are still dealing with a seven-speed manual for shifting, but buyers can also have their pick of an automatic for the first time in a ZR1, courtesy of GM's 8-speed, paddle shift system. Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car Testing deemed the carbon ceramic brakes of the Z06 one of the best in the business, and these are the brakes that you'll engage with during slowdown in the 2019 ZR1.

The front end of this new beast is almost all openings, and rumor has it that this is the car on the market with the most carbon fiber to date. It's been exciting to have a front row seat and watch the 'Vette as it goes through its rites of passage, and it's evident that this new model for 2019 is full enough of power and fury, that any track-crazed contender will want to hop avidly on board! 

The Chevy Colorado ZR2 AEV: An Off-Road Adventure Expedition Masterpiece

Any new pickup owner is no doubt concerned with untapped adventure. There's a certain sensation you can only obtain from blasting off the main road, feeling the tires grip around dirt or gravel-laden corners, and putting your beloved machine to the test. American Expedition Vehicles is a world-class manufacturer of off-road and overland vehicle parts, as well as finished products, with their turnkey models of able vehicles. They have done extensive work with Jeep on special editions and show cars, and are experts regarding what traits vehicles need to have to conquer difficult terrain.

All of us here at Jim Butler Chevy could not be any more excited: they have teamed up with Chevy now, to build a concept off-road vehicle based on the Colorado ZR2 pickup. With amazing production such as the Brute Double Cab DC 350 and the Wrangler JK200 under their belts, this is cause to get very antsy. The tan truck was revealed at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, and features like new engineered suspension and driveline components are going to set it far above the rest in navigation capability. This beast looks like a vehicle that you would see skidding sideways through the desert, climbing a nearly vertical rock, or even be used by the Army for missions that are simply billed as “that intense”.

The 35-inch tires on this heavily modified ZR2 look like they could just roll right over a 12-pack, and that is no joke. There is an overall 1.5-inch lift for the truck, and the 2.8-liter diesel engine is now able to breathe a bit more through a high-rise snorkel. One of the additives that really make this stand out from the standard work truck are the front and rear off-road bumpers, as well as skidplates. When you see it for the first time, it really is reminiscent of a character you would see on the early days of “Monday Night Wrestling” on cable: It is so menacing and equipped to do damage, that any experienced off-roader will want to immediately jump in and give it a very demanding spin.

The new grille is very unique, with a bit of a revamp of the bowtie emblem, spelling out “Chevrolet” in full. There is a roof-high expedition rack mounted to the bed, which is loaded with goodies like a portable ARB refrigerator. The element that we like about this pristine AEV creation the most is the panel on the right rear fender: here you'll find auxiliary power, an air compressor, and fresh water system. RV's have long been touting high-tech and practical additives like this, because they are naturally bigger, with more room to plant the goods. But squeezing in these goodies on a truck has not been done quite as well as this yet. Engineers, surveyors, all types of contractors, and rock crawlers have quite the reason to turn their heads for 2018: we concur that AEV did a bang-up job on bolstering the ZR2 for the desperado existence! 

Camaro + Hot Wheels: Celebrating a 50th Milestone of Basement Bent-Track Races

Iconic brands are one of those elements of toy memorabilia that always live on, and anyone who has wanted a muscle car at some point in their life has excitedly clutched a “Hot Wheels” toy. During their launch back in 1968, Hot Wheels appealed to those who liked their cars “tricked out”, and the dark blue Custom Camaro was the very first of these hand-held treasures produced. Other greats such as the Firebird convertible, Mustang fastback, Cougar, and Barracuda were some of the others you could get your hands on during that first milestone year of Hot Wheels release. Daring to dream was a treat then, when hours would be spent with makeshift tracks, backyards, and eventually sending them through loops and jumps while playing their very own video game version, such as Micro Racers and Stunt Track Challenge.

This coming year at the Las Vegas SEMA Show, the 2018 Hot Wheels Camaro will be released, including special “Crush” orange paint, which is inspired by the original orange flexible track, remaining virtually unchanged over the decades. Orange brake calipers, seat inserts, and interior upholstery stitching are thrown in as well, along with gray and silver stripes, as well as gray forged 20-inch wheels. The grille is very unique and has chrome inserts, a ground effects package, dark-lens tail-lamps positioned in a black panel with the Hot Wheels emblem, and a 50^th anniversary Hot Wheels badge on the steering wheel.

Coupes will even get a unique spoiler, but convertibles will hold onto their current stock wing, since GPS, radio, and other antenna functions need it to be the same. There will also be 69 race-ready COPO Camaros that will be built for 2018, and will each specify the Hot Wheels edition upgrades. The show car that you can drool over at SEMA will be fitted with a new 302-cubic-inch racing engine, based on the LT1 V-8, but properly souped for drag racing. The age-old argument about whether the Camaro or Mustang is tougher is still burning strong, and all of us here on the lot at Jim Butler St Louis will pick the Camaro time and time again!

Beginning back in 1970, professional drag racers Don Prudhomme and Tom McEwen were sponsored by Hot Wheels, and they created the super-awesome Snake and Mongoose Drag set later that year. During late 2005, a 1967 Camaro Convertible was among the much-loved Series 2 30-model arsenal, and Mattel estimates that 41 million children grew up playing with this legendary brand of toy. There are hundreds if not thousands of web pages that are dedicated to Hot Wheels collecting, and many have marveled at the extreme detail and cool diecast feel of the brand. An expression of just how awesome the Camaro car is and how much raw power is under the hood, “embracing the Orange Crush” will be one of the most fun things you can do to commemorate Chevy during the next calendar year!

Handling 2018 like a Boss With Darker Hues: Colorado ZR2 Midnight and Dusk Editions

In anticipation of the yearly SEMA convention in Las Vegas and its various releases and updates to all levels of the auto press, Chevy unveiled two new trim packages for the Colorado ZR2 pickup. The root idea of these themes is the blacking out of the all bright trim on both of these off-road beauties. The 4 x 4 ZR2 is the recipient of black 17-inch, 5-spoke wheels, black bow tie badges, and a sport bar with off-road LED lights, as well as super-cool ZR2 logos on the sport-bar sail panels. The Colorado ZR2 Midnight Edition combines black trim pieces with black paint, while the ZR2 Dusk Edition allows you to pick what color suits you best for the truck.

Other features remain the same, including the hood and grille that defined the 2017 model's aggressive stance, as well as trimmed front and rear bumpers. Come pay us a visit on the lot at Jim Butler, and we'll show you the other awesome features of this package. Front and rear electronic locking differentials, hill descent control, and aluminum skidplate to protect the radiator and oil pan, Autotrac transfer case, modified rear axle with a 3.43:1 ratio, and a special setting for off-road driving are all also on board. You can pre-order these 2018 models withMidnight or Dusk Edition now, and the trucks will arrive on dealer's lots in another 5 weeks or so.

With segment exclusives such as Multimatic shocks, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and an available Duramax 2.8-liter Turbo-diesel engine, you'll leave any competitor haplessly behind you in the dust. Heading off-road is really the name of the game here: this is an avid hauling and work truck, but making your way far, far off the beaten path is the objective at hand. Many experienced jumpers have the ZR2 set in their sights, as the DSSV shocks are excellent at helping stick any landing. With 50 mm front and rear lift as well as skid plates and rock sliders, you are truly equipped to conquer anything that the off-road realm throws at you.

You'll love how the very aggressive approach, breakover and departure angles affect the handling of the ZR2, and we took a closer look at how it matches up to the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro V6. The torque capacity on the ZR2 is 369 lb-ft, and the Tacoma sits behind, at 265 lb– ft. The ZR2 has a full-size bed-mounted spare tire carrier, while the Tacoma is left without. The ZR2 has EZ lift and lower tailgate and 4-wheel disc brakes, two other features the Tacoma does not possess. Of course you'll also have Apple CarPlay compatibility, as well as Android Auto for entertainment options, and we guarantee you'll be fully amazed with this rampantly rock-crawling, off-road conquering and able machine!